Three former politicians and a councillor charged with taking bribes to vote for rezoning of lands in Carrickmines in Dublin in the 1990s, were served with books of evidence and sent forward for trial before a judge and jury today.
The DPP has directed “trial on indictment”, meaning their trials are also to be heard before a judge and jury.
At Dublin District Court today, the four, who had their cases called separately, were each served with books of evidence.
They were notified that if they intended to rely on an alibi they must notify the State within 14 days.
Their cases were also sent forward for trial at the present sittings of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Former Fine Gael councillor, TD and senator, Liam Cosgrave (54) with an address at Merrion Park, in Blackrock, in south Dublin faces five charges.
The son of former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, he replied “not guilty” when the charges were first put to him Tuesday afternoon last.
It is alleged he received sums as an “inducement” or “reward” on a date between June 12th and June 29th, 1992, December 23rd, 1997, at Buswells Hotel, and on October 30th, 1997 at the Davenport hotel.
Former Fianna Fáil councillor Colm McGrath (54), from Swiftford, Saggart, Dublin, allegedly received a sum at his office in Clondalkin, between June 12th and June 29th, 1992.
Former Fianna Fáil senator and councillor Don Lydon (82), of San Antonio, Stillorgan Park Avenue, Dublin, allegedly received a sum at St John of Gods in Dublin, on May 4th, 1992.
Independent councillor Tony Fox (70) of Mountainview Park, Churchtown, Dublin 14, allegedly received sums on October 30th, 1997, as well as on a date between October 30th, 1997 and December 25th, 1997 and on a date between June 12th and June 29th, 1992.
Former Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Gilbride (69) of 18 Greenlawns, Skerries, Dublin allegedly received a sum at the offices of Frank Dunlop on a date between June 11th and June 29th, 1992.
He was remanded in his absence to appear again on November 18th next after Judge Patrick McMahon heard that he had been taken into hospital on Thursday.